Free State High School student wins award for saving teacher’s life – The Lawrence Times

Lucas Fearn, a Free State High School graduate, was honored Wednesday by the American Red Cross with a high honor: the organization’s Life Saving Award.

Fearn has been a lifeguard since May 2023. He jumped into action to show art teacher Jacob Lewis the Heimlich maneuver when he was choking, saving his life.

During a surprise event on Wednesday afternoon, Lewis said he was lucky and appreciated Fearn’s help.

Jane Blocher, executive director of the Greater Kansas Division of the American Red Cross, presented Fearn with the award.

Fearn’s “quick thinking, calm demeanor and life-saving skills transformed what could have been a tragedy into a story of triumph and gratitude,” Blocher said.

“Lucas is not your average high school student. “Not only is he an outstanding young person, but he is also a trained Red Cross lifeguard – a testament to his commitment to preparedness and commitment to protecting those around him,” Blocher said. “The training he received not only prepared him for lifeguard duties, but also enabled him to act decisively in unexpected crisis situations.”

Fearn also received the Lawrence Police Department’s Life Saving Award.

Nathan Kramer (he/him), a multimedia journalist for The Lawrence Times since August 2024, is a student at Free State High School. He is also the video editor for Free State’s student publication, where he works as a videographer, photographer and motion designer. Find more of his work for the Times here.

Latest Lawrence news:

MORE …